Outdoor Education @ CCW in 2025

Mr Justin Perkins - Health, Physical Education and Outdoor Education Learning Leader

The Outdoor Education Program at CCW aims to challenge, inspire and empower students to engage with the magnificent natural environments that surround us.

Through a diverse range of experiences, students develop resilience, independence and teamwork while deepening their appreciation of the outdoors. Each program is designed to provide meaningful opportunities for students to extend themselves both physically and mentally, while learning to navigate and respect a variety of natural landscapes.

Throughout the year, students have participated in activities that push them well beyond their everyday experiences. These have included riding their first waves along the Great Ocean Road, exploring the natural beauty of our region by hiking through the nearby Warby Ranges and scaling Mount Stirling. Other adventures took them to alpine environments, walking along the Razorback and surviving overnight in remote locations with minimal supplies. Each of these experiences encourages students to step outside their comfort zones, strengthen their problem-solving and leadership skills, and build strong personal and social connections.

At the senior level, VCE Outdoor and Environmental Studies continues to offer students opportunities to extend their knowledge and apply their learning in authentic outdoor settings. A highlight of this year was the inaugural visit by our Unit 3 and 4 students to the world-renowned Wilsons Promontory region, providing a unique opportunity to explore its spectacular coastal and wilderness environments while deepening their understanding of natural systems and environmental relationships. Other practical field experiences included a three-day paddle along the Murray River from Yarrawonga to Tocumwal, an immersive journey to Halls Gap, and a multi-day hike across the plains of Mount Bogong. These experiences allow students to apply theoretical concepts to real-world environments and explore potential pathways for further study and future employment in outdoor and environmental fields.